Port Vale boss Neil Aspin is delighted to see Ryan Boot take some plaudits after the 23 year old helped the Valiants to a 2-1 victory at Carlisle on Saturday.

The manager has put his faith in the Vale youth graduate who was starting only his 13th match for the club. The keeper had arguably his best game as second-half stops from Richard Bennett and Reggie Lambe helped Vale hold on to the lead given them by Tyrone Barnett, on 51 minutes, and Tom Pope, on 69.

He explained: “Ryan has done very well since he came into the team. He has had very little chance with the goals we have conceded, he has not had to pull off saves left, right and centre since he has been in the team. That’s a good thing.

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“But here he was needed and he did really well. That’s not just his saves, I thought his handling was good as well and he gave a first-class display. It is a big game when you come to Carlisle, he has coped with it really well and he contributed to the win.”

Port Vale keeper Ryan Boot

The victory lifted Vale a place to 18th, now four points clear of the relegation zone.

Aspin said the whole team deserved credit, but he was encouraged by the performance of Barnett who has been held back by injuries since signing for the Valiants on a free transfer from AFC Wimbledon in the summer.